Visions of Life from Hiking in the French Alps

As I reflect on our trip to France last summer,
it occurs to me that life for most of us is very much like mountain climbing. Using a wondrous afternoon of hiking in the Alps for inspiration and examples, may I share a few of the ideas that occurred to me during that climb? #1. I realized that, as much as possible, I (we) need to hike in company with others who share similar values & purposes if we really want to reach our goals. Where is it we’re going? What is it that we want to accomplish? #2. We need to choose friends who share our vision…who will climb and sweat with us, watch our backs, and rejoice with us when we succeed.#3. Keep close. There is safety in numbers (from wild boars, for example) #4. Listen to those who are wiser and more experienced and learn from them. #5. We’re much more likely to have problems if we lag behind. I slightly twisted my ankle near the beginning of our trip
(taking photos, of course), and had it not been for Fearless Leader’s shepherd heart,
I might have really injured myself on the rocky terrain and muddy paths! #6. Stay on the path! Wandering off or falling off could be deadly. #7. Don’t walk too fast! Take time to look up and savor the grandeur,and take time to notice the joyful beauty dancing beside us. #8. Look down too, lest we carelessly trample the tiny treasures at our feet.#9. Keep in mind that others have traveled the path before us, and take time to honor them for the hard work and sacrifices they’ve made. It’s so easy to be critical of our forebearers, but we couldn’t do what we do today without the undying resolve and accomplishments of those who’ve gone before.#10. At the end of the day, allow ourselves to (or make ourselves) stop and rest!#11. Come to peace with our bodies’ needs for food & sleep so we don’t burn out. #12. Best of all, come to peace with the knowledge that life, health,
and this beautiful world are all gifts from God, so let’s take time to worship Him.“The Old Rugged Cross”
(by George Bennard, 1913)

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

“Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

“So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.”